Nineteen GA 2000 staff terminated
Guyana Airways (GA) 2000 has terminated the services of 19 employees and is considering changing the Airbus 300 for a smaller aircraft as the company embarks on restructuring for cost-efficient operations. Aviation Investments Ltd, a private company which owns 51% of the company was launched in July last year. In a written statement to staff, Chairman of the company Yesu Persaud said the investment, commitment and energy in the company were substantial. He said it would take a continuation of these to ensure that the "small national airline," competed successfully and returned a profit on its operations. Anthony Mekdeci, recently resigned as chief executive officer of the company and according to a statement from GA 2000, his replacement would be announced shortly. Appointments to other senior management positions would also be announced. According to Persaud's statement, the Executive Board with the assistance of the management consultants had accepted recommendations for a number of changes which involve a review of GA 2000 route priorities, a reorganisation of staff structure and a change of aircraft. Management and staff reorganisation would result in the reallocation of critical responsibilities and a minimum reduction of staff. A source told this newspaper that so far, the services of 19 employees have been terminated. Performance and experience were the basis on which decisions were made for termination. Those employees whose services were terminated were informed verbally and by letters. They were also advised that their salaries and all benefits owing them would be paid by the end of the month, the spokesperson said. The 19 employees were from various departments. Several senior positions have been left vacant and some of these include the finance controller and the second in charge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. The board is currently in discussion on changing the Airbus 300 for the smaller Boeing 757 to ensure cost-efficiency. The company is now flying three times a week. Twice to New York and once to Canada.
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